By James Wells

MELBOURNE: Sampford IXL MD, Paul Bridgeford, has announced he will retire at the end of the month and be replaced by former Miele Australia national sales manager and current group general manager – sales, Martin Carter in the newly created role of CEO.

Bridgeford will step down on Friday 28 September after 20 years as managing director of Sampford & Staff which became Sampford IXL earlier this year following the merger with IXL Appliances on 1 February.

Carter was previously national sales manager at Miele Australia for eight years before unexpectedly leaving the company in late February.

"I am very proud of the growth achieved during my time as managing director,” said Bridgeford.

“Company turnover is 12 times what Sampford & Staff’s was in 1987. Now that the merger between Sampford & Staff and IXL Appliances has been successfully completed, it is appropriate that I hand over to Martin and his team to take over the stewardship of the company during the development of the strategic plan for the next five years,” he said.

“I am sure they will build on the platform we now have to the benefit of our customers, suppliers and staff.  This move will also allow me to explore consulting opportunities and develop my outside business interests."

Sampford IXL chairman, Rob Backwell, recognised Bridgeford’s contribution to the company.

"Paul has made an enormous contribution to the development of this business over very many years, and we wish him and Jill well for the future,” Backwell said.

Carter said he is looking forward to the challenge of leading the recently integrated company, after working with the business for three months.

"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead Sampford IXL through the next phase of its growth,” Carter said.

“I, and the rest of the team at Sampford IXL, look forward to continuing to serve our customers and suppliers and to growing the business further in the years to come."

Sampford IXL is the Australian agent for a number of leading international appliance brands, including Gaggenau, Neff, Jenn-Air, La Germania, Bertazzoni, Mirror Image and Hansgrohe.

Sampford IXL also manufactures and distributes IXL Tastics, heating, cooling and small appliances and Cannon gas log heaters.